Kyong J. Chong

In the midst of the second World War, on January 31, 1941, in Seoul, Korea, God gave us a woman whose heart was full of mercy born to help others, whose stubbornness bore a determination and strong will to live and yet carried a child like desire to make others laugh.

Our mother Kyong Cha was born.

Her mother’s name was Un Ju and her father’s name was Kim Il Yong. She had 3 siblings, her older sister was Kyong Hui and she is survived by her oldest brother Kyong Oak and her youngest brother Kyong Nam.

She was a very simple woman who appreciated every little thing she had, never took anything for granted, loved life, her family, and to be surrounded by children. She met our father Nam Chin and married him in Seoul, Korea in 1961. Together they had 5 children in Seoul. Chol O, Hyon Suk, Chol U, Myong Suk, and Chol Yong. (She never hid the fact that Chol Yong, the youngest was her favorite). She was very honest and told you exactly how she felt whether you wanted to hear it or not.

Our family left our humble home in Seoul to pursue the dream of life, liberty and happiness in the United States. We arrived in San Antonio, Texas in the early 1970’s. Trying to give us the best life possible, she immediately put herself to work as a cook. She lived her life to give to her family and rarely asked anything for herself. She loved her kids and her grandchildren, John Jr, Chol Jr, Johann, Julie, Susan, Brandon, Zachary and Austin. Her face would light up and the sparkle of joy in her spirit was evident whenever she was with them. Those grandkids could be loud, wild, obnoxious, and rambunctious but she never minded and wanted to enjoy in their silliness. She’d try to dance, sing, swim, and talk to them as much as she could. She loved nursing the kids, she loved nursing all children, and would “literally” try to nurse them…she was very giving.

She wished nothing but joy and happiness for her children and grandchildren. She loved most her husband who stood by her side for 50 years and returned her love unconditionally. We all have a piece of her mercy, kindness, perseverance, humbleness, and joy, and we will definitely pass that on in her honor. We will miss her dearly but know that she has won the good fight, and her heavenly father has taken her back into his loving arms.